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(Bear) (1913-83), U.S. college football coach. Paul Bryant, the much-beloved and respected coach of the University of Alabama’s football team, became the winningest coach in college football history on Nov. 28, 1981, when Alabama’s 28-17 defeat of state rival Auburn gave Bryant his 315th victory, surpassing the record that had been held by coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. Then, characteristically, Bryant gave credit for his achievement to his players and assistant coaches-to everybody but himself.